DfE
The latest news and analysis on the Department for Education and the secretary of state for education, including new policy, legislation and appointments
Thursday
11th Jan 2024
Weekly round-up: Pupil absence and a plea to Ofsted
This week鈥檚 essential education news includes the two main parties revealing plans to tackle post-Covid pupil absence and an appeal to Ofsted to reduce the fear of inspection
Review admission policies to tackle access inequality
A Sutton Trust report makes it clear that schools nationwide need to ensure they are operating a fair admissions system rather than favouring pupils who will boost their P8 score
Monday
8th Jan 2024
Hinds: Tweak parent attitudes to cut absence below 5%
Schools minister Damian Hinds tells 糖心Vlog that pupils with 鈥榤ild anxiety鈥� should not be kept off school, as DfE rolls out attendance hubs
Attendance crisis: DfE expands hubs and mentor scheme
Trusts鈥� leader says DfE attendance measures are not enough and a 鈥榤uch more systemic response鈥� is needed
Wednesday
20th Dec 2023
Williamson: 2021 school closures were 鈥榳rong鈥�
Shutting schools in January 2021 was a 鈥榩anic decision鈥� and against the best interests of pupils, the former education secretary tells Covid inquiry
Ofsted inspections 鈥榰ntenable鈥� until February, say unions
School inspections by the watchdog should cease until the government and Ofsted have published the plan requested by Ruth Perry coroner, say heads鈥� leaders
Tuesday
19th Dec 2023
Frances Wadsworth announced as interim chair of Ofqual
Ms Wadsworth will replace Sir Ian聽Bauckham, who is standing down to become interim chief regulator
GCSEs 2024: Maths and science students get extra support
Ofqual confirms that students will be provided with formulae and equation sheets in GCSE maths, physics and combined science exams